WNC News & Notes: Register early for farm sales and strategy workshop

Western Nevada College's Specialty Crop Institute is offering a workshop to help farmers develop season extension practices and sales strategies to market their product at farmers markets, restaurants and other venues.

"Selling the Seasons" will be Saturday, April 2 in Marlette Hall, WNC Carson City campus. Early bird registration cost is $35 ($45 after March 23), and includes lunch and a tour of Hungry Mother Organics roadside stand and farm. Enrollment is limited, so register early.

Guest speaker is Christof Bernau, a garden manager and instructor at the University of California, Santa Cruz, where he teaches for the Center of Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems. With 21 years of agriculture, gardening and teaching experience, he brings a passion for all things farming to his presentation.

For registration or more information, contact Ann Louhela at louhelaa@wnc.edu or 775-351-2551.

WNC students earn International Women's Day scholarships

Two Western Nevada College students were honored as recipients of scholarships at the International Women's Day fundraiser in Reno last week. Bethany Kell is a student in Western's associate degree nursing program who earned a 3.69 grade point average in her studies, even as she takes care of a six-month-old son.

"The scholarship has given me peace of mind to know that my tuition is paid," Kell said. In addition to learning the ins and outs of patient care, Kell, 30, said that combining motherhood with full time studying has taught her time management and prioritizing skills.

Graduating from WNC in May alongside Kell is another scholarship recipient, nursing student Leanna Ogle, who has achieved a 3.81 GPA.

Free star viewing events continue at Observatory

Saturday evening Star Parties continue to be offered at WNC's Jack C. Davis Observatory, and are free to the public. Observatory doors open at

6 p.m., and lectures begin at 7:30 p.m. Tours of the facility are provided, and weather permitting, telescope viewing is offered.

On Saturday Mike Thomas of the Western Nevada Astronomical Society will present a slide-show lecture titled, "The Hubble Space Telescope." This presentation tells the story of the space telescope and the amazing images it has provided, including the scientific discoveries that have come from the 20 years it has been in space. The lecture is full of Hubble photographs and explanations of the objects pictured.

On Saturday, March 26, Thomas provides an encore presentation of his "Alexander the Great" lecture. The story is that of the young Greek king who goes on to conquer the known world in the third century B.C., and is filled with intrigue and adventure. Alexander's life was short, but filled with glory, and there are many reasons why he is called "Great."

For directions to the observatory, www.wnc.edu/observatory.